Fordham University
We visited Fordham University’s expansive, gated Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. As we strolled across campus we were impressed by the large open green space and beautiful gothic architecture. There is another campus at Lincoln Center in Manhattan that is modern and urban. Over 15,000 undergraduates attend this Jesuit University with the motto “New York is my Campus, Fordham is my school.”
Academics
Fordham student accolades include 185 Fulbright Scholars, a 77% health professional school acceptance rate, 1 million+ annual hours in community service, and internships with 2,600 NYC-based companies.
Both campuses provide majors in the humanities, social sciences, and natural science. In addition, Lincoln Center offers programs in theatre, dance, visual arts, music, social work, and education, while students seeking degrees in biological sciences and chemistry head to the Rose Hill campus.
Students are encouraged to expand their knowledge and experiences; they are expected to question the world around them and press for answers. 40% of classes can be taken outside of the intended major, and students may major and minor between the schools of Liberal Arts and Business. Accelerated master’s degrees are available in both Liberal Arts and Business. 45% of Fordham students study abroad and research opportunities are available in every discipline.
The Average class size is 16 students at Lincoln Center and 45 at Rose Hill.
Social Life
Fordham’s President, Father Joseph McShane, calls on all students at Fordham to “minor” in New York City regardless of their source of study. The world’s best museums, theatres, food, and culture are just footsteps away from either campus.
22 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams represent Fordham, and students can join any of the over 160 clubs, organizations, and intramural sports available on campus. Students enjoy guaranteed housing for all four years, and for commuting students, The Commuting Students Association provides programming that is open to the entire Fordham community but is held at commuter-friendly times.
Student Body
Our tour guide was whip smart and enjoyed the Jesuit philosophy of campus. She came from a public high school in Connecticut and enjoyed taking classes in religion and philosophy. She found her fellow Fordham students connected, awared, engaged, vibrant and social. She lived off campus for her senior year and enjoyed the neighboring community of the Bronx and said she did not feel unsafe.
Fordham students come from 46 states and 74 countries. Nearly ⅓ of students are from underrepresented populations. As a Jesuit institution, Fordham encourages commitment to both the student body on campus and the surrounding community. The mission of Cura Personalis, or “Care for the entire person,” is reflected in the mindset of the student body at Fordham and represented in the thousands of hours Fordham students spend giving back to others.
Surrounding Area
Rose Hill encompasses an 85-acre gated Bronx campus featuring Gothic architecture and tree-lined walkways. It’s home to the Fordham College at Rose Hill, the Gabelli School of Business, our Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Graduate School of Religion and Religious Studies. The Bronx Botanical Gardens is across the street and the Bronx Zoo is also within five minutes. Outside of campus is the bustling Bronx with tons of shops and restaurants and a diverse community.
The 8-acre Manhattan campus at Lincoln Center spans two city blocks and is home to Fordham College at Lincoln Center, the Gabelli School of Business, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Education, the Graduate School of Social Service, and the School of Law. It’s right in the heart of the Upper West Side of Manhattan and the world is literally outside your door. Students can run in Central park, catch a Broadway show or meander the Manhattan streets by walking out their dorms. Housing is tight though, so expect to pay hefty rents after the first year.
Admissions and Financial Aid
The average SAT scores are 1340-1460. For the Gabelli School of Business, math scores need to be in the 650-670 range. Pre-calculus is required, and calculus is preferred. The average ACT range is 30-33. Fordham looks for students who represent the top 25% of their class and focuses on grades that trend upward. All tests are superscored. The Admission office nominates students for the honors program.
Fordham has a 46% acceptance rate. For The Ailey School of Dance and the popular Lincoln center theater program, the acceptance rate is 16%. A theater minor is available with ten credits.
In 2019, Fordham admitted 19% of Early Action students who were initially deferred. If a student applies Early Action to the Gabelli school of business, and is not admitted, an option will be given to do Liberal Arts degree with a business minor.
More than 93 percent of incoming freshmen received some form of financial aid to help defray the cost of attending Fordham.
Summary
At Fordham, students not only receive a rigorous education in one of the world’s greatest cities, but graduates enjoy a network of over 175,000 alumni worldwide and the life-long support of the Office of Career Services.
Fordham University
Address: The Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: (718) 817-1000
